Famed for its pure spring water, Zephyrhills is a sprawling city in Florida’s Pasco County. It was founded as the town of Abbott in 1888 before the Zephyrhills Colony Company was established as a planned community for Civil War veterans. In the heart of the city is the Zephyrhills Historic District, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Things to do in Zephyrhills
Occupying a 1927-built railway depot of the Atlantic Coast Line is the Zephyrhills Depot Museum, which houses artefacts and memorabilia about the city’s past. In addition to its four exhibition wings, there is a model train layout and a well-stocked gift shop. After your visit, you can let the kids run loose in the children’s playground at Krusen Park or enjoy a round at the adjacent Zephyrhills Golf Course.
For a bird’s eye view of Zephyrhills and its lush countryside, join the team at Skydive City for a tandem jump. After watching a short training video, you’ll be harnessed up and briefed by your instructor. Aboard a scenic flight, you’ll ascend to an altitude of around 4,100 metrest, then plunge safely back to earth as your parachute is deployed.
If you’re visiting Zephyrhills in the hot summer months, you can cool off at the splash pad in Zephyr Park. This 13-hectare recreational space is also home to tennis and handball courts, picnic pavilions and playground equipment, plus a designated fitness path. Dotting the park are shady oak trees, many of which date back to the Civil War era.
Getting around Zephyrhills
Zephyrhills is around 40 minutes’ drive from Tampa and an hour from Tampa International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to Zephyrhills, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.